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Formerly standing as the Dudley North representative for Labour, Ian Austin MP quit the party in February over his frustrations with Jeremy Corbyn's stance on tackling racism and antisemitism within the party.

Black Country MP Ian Austin challenges the Prime Minister over the decision to award a contract to make medals to a French firm

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Talking in the House of Commons, Ian Austin said: "Now we're going to get a new Leader of the House, perhaps we could have another look at the proposals to refurbish the Parliamentary estate.

"Because I think people out there will think we've gone mad if we're going to spend billions of pounds refurbishing this place. I was shocked to discover they're going to spend one and a half billion pounds on a fancy chamber at Richmond House.

"Imagine the impact that money would have in a community in the Black County which sorely needs extra investments on schools, on housing on roads, on police so much more."

He went on to add: "Let's have another look at this proposal. I think we should take the opportunity to move Parliament out of London, to the Midlands, preferably the Black Country , somewhere in the middle of the country. It's a serious proposal, let's do something radical."

Some Dudley constituents are in support of the MP's proposal. Replying on Twitter, Geoff Jellis, said: "Finally a solution is found for the long running what to do with the Hippodrome saga. Move Parliament there. But good point, government needs to be decentralised. Not London, should stop being seen as exotic and patronised."

@blastag added: "I think I actually like this idea. Everyone moans about how much money is wasted sending MP's to work/live in London. Dudley is not only a far cheaper area but is also a central location to travel to."

However, many are opposed to the town being overrun with politicians.

Kevin McCallum of the Black Country Brexit Party tweeted: "Don’t want them lot up here, Dudley too good keep the swamp in Westminster."

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Andy Dudley jokingly added: "Oh please no. The last thing we want is a very real risk of bumping into Boris Johnson up at Mezza..."

Others deemed the move a "pie in the sky" idea and advised the local politician to focus on reviving Dudley's town centre.

Rich. commented: "Ian, how about concentrating on keeping Dudley actually having a high street, it's fine if you want to go in a Bookies or grab some Fast food, instead of these ridiculous pie in the sky ideas."